Friends, colleagues and former pupils gathered on Friday 13 June to celebrate, Crescent School’s Director of Music, Julie Barnes’, upcoming retirement at the end of this school year. They were treated to an informal feast of music and food, an evening full of fond memories, fabulous music and many good wishes, all kindly put together by Assistant Head, Sarah Webb.

It was especially lovely to welcome a number of former pupils back to the school to play for the gathering including Christopher Gibson (Class of 2018), Katherine Lee (Class of 2022), Chloe Sarkies (Class of 2022), Charlotte Corbin (Class of 2022), Evie Bierton (Class of 2022), Henry Corbin (Class of 2020), Faris Akbik (Class of 2022), Rania Akbik (Class of 2020) and Alyssa Barnett (Class of 2021), who treated the audience to a series of very special performances. It was wonderful to listen to these talented musicians playing and to hear their memories of Mrs Barnes and the inspiration she provided them with. The audience also enjoyed recordings of the school’s Flute Group and a very special piece performed by an Old Crescentian's Brass Band.

A real treat for the gathering was to hear Julie play her cello, something she had not done in school for 25 years. There was also an amusing tribute to Julie, a wonderful ditty titled, Thank You Mrs Barnes, performed to much laughter and applause, by former teacher and clearly very talented musician himself, Matt Phillips.

During the evening Headmaster, Joe Thackway, read a message from former Headmaster Huw Marshall who paid tribute to Julie’s dedication to and incredible achievements at the school.

Present at the event were a number of much-loved former staff who we were delighted to welcome back to Crescent including, Sandra Clayton, Helen Morley, Tricia Davis, Anne Boys and Jenny Goodger. 

Many thanks to all who came along and especially to all who helped with the organisation of the event, especially the school’s caterers, Olive Catering, who treated us to a sumptuous feast.